Acyclovir is an antiviral used to treat shingles, chickenpox, or genital herpes. It may also be used to treat other conditions.

ZOVIRAX DRUG INFO

Why is this medication prescribed?

Zovirax is used to treat herpes infections of the skin, lip, and genitals; herpes zoster (shingles); and chickenpox. It does not cure herpes infections but decreases pain and itching and promotes healing.

Topical Zovirax does not prevent the recurrence of sores but may decrease pain and itching if applied when the earliest symptoms first appear. Oral Zovirax decreases the frequency and severity of recurrent sores, but it is used only by people with severe herpes infections because of possible adverse effects.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Zovirax comes as an ointment for use on the skin and as a tablet, capsule, and liquid to take by mouth. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Zovirax exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Use this medication as soon as possible after symptoms appear.

Clean and dry the skin area before applying the ointment. Wear protective gloves when applying it to prevent the spread of infection. Rub the ointment in gently. Use enough ointment to cover all sores completely. Do not apply Zovirax ointment to the eyes.

Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly.

Continue to take Zovirax even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Zovirax without talking to your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking Zovirax,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Zovirax, valZovirax (Valtrex), or any other drugs.

tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Zovirax, call your doctor.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Zovirax may cause an upset stomach. Take Zovirax with food or milk.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you are using tablets, capsules, or liquid, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals.

If you are using ointment, apply it as soon as you remember and apply further doses at your regular interval (e.g., every 3 hours) until you go to bed.

However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of either the ointment or oral medication to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Although side effects from Zovirax are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

burning, stinging, itching, or rash when ointment is applied

headache

upset stomach

vomiting

diarrhea or loose stools

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

severe rash

severe itching

fever

confusion

yellowness of the skin or eyes

blood in the urine

stomach pain

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep Zovirax in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.